Chapter 15
Jess didn’t see Jake again until the following Tuesday when she went into the clinic for her shift. He and Kathy were there when she arrived a little before eight a.m. She wondered where Dr. Henery was and then remembered that he was done. Jake was on his own now.
“Doc texted me on his way to the airport. Said he and his wife are going to ride on the London Eye tomorrow, but if I need him for anything he’s just a phone call or a text away.” Jake chuckled. “He doesn’t mess around.”
“He must feel confident that you have everything under control,” Jess said. Though it was strange not to see Dr. Henery in the office, she’d learned from the past week of working with him that Jake was a very good doctor. The animals all loved him and he was great with them.
They had another busy day and Jess was tired by the time five o’clock rolled around. She felt like going home, drawing a hot bath and soaking for a while. She rarely did that, and she couldn’t tonight anyway, but every now and again, it felt wonderful and was a great way to relax. Jake, however, seemed energized and excited about something. He called her over to his desk where he was printing something out. It was three pages of building plans, like something an architect would put together. He laid them out on the desk and then said, “I want your opinion on this.”
“What are we looking at?” She hadn’t the foggiest idea.
He smiled. “I met with an architect yesterday, someone that Dr. Henery recommended. He talked to him years ago when he was thinking of either expanding this building or putting something up on the adjacent lot.
“Oh, are you going to do that? Which way would you go?”
“Well, I wasn’t sure until I met with the architect and he ran a few possibilities by me. I thought I was leaning toward a separate house on the lot, but when he told me what he could do with an expansion to this building, I was really intrigued. I think I might want to go in that direction.”
“Connected to the clinic?” She imagined there could be advantages to that.
“Yes. With a pass-through so we could walk from from one side of the building into the next. No need to go outside at all.”
“That would be nice during bad weather. A dream commute!” Jess smiled.
“I know, and I could add a cat door, too, so Boris could come and go as he likes…he might want to come visit, too. I feel bad leaving him here every night.”
“This is his home, though,” Jess reminded him.
“I know. It would be confusing if I brought him back and forth to the cottage And Boris isn’t the main reason I am leaning toward the attached expansion. It just seems convenient overall.”
“I’d probably vote for that option, too,” Jess agreed.
“Want to take a closer look? I can walk you around outside and describe what he has in mind so you can visualize it.”
Jess smiled. “Sure, I’d like that.” She could see that Jake wanted to talk about his new project and she was curious to see what he had in mind. She followed him outside and he walked her around the area where the proposed addition would be.
“So, we’re thinking two levels. Well, three, actually, if you include the basement, which I would finish and have as a game room, with a big screen TV and a pool table.”
“That sounds fun.” Jess hadn’t played pool in years and was terrible at it, but had always liked trying.
“Do you play?”
“Very poorly and not often, but I do like it,” she admitted.
Jake grinned. “I can teach you. I haven’t played in a while, either, but I used to be pretty good. I’ve always wanted a pool table.”
He pointed out approximately where the other rooms would be. “I’d have a chef’s kitchen, something along the lines of the one in the Copper Cottage. What do you think?”
“You love to cook, so that sounds wonderful.”
“What about countertops, any suggestions there?”
“It’s not at all practical as it stains easily, but I’ve always loved honed Carrera marble. It’s gorgeous and has a lovely feel to it. And white subway tiles above the counter tops and stove.” She laughed, realizing that her taste might be very different than his. “That’s my dream, anyway, a white kitchen. Probably not what you had in mind, though. There’s a million different choices.”
“I haven’t thought too much about those details, to be honest. But you think it all sounds good? Anything you’d change?”
Jess thought about that for a moment. “One small thing. You mentioned having the laundry area in the basement, too. You might want to think about having it on the second floor instead, by the bedrooms. Aunt Bobbie made that change in the main house when they did renovations a long time ago. It’s really convenient to have the laundry right there near where you dress.”
“I never thought about that. It makes sense, though. Anything else? You sure you like the idea of a connected house better than a separate one on the lot next door?”
“I really do. The convenience of not having to go outside is really nice.”
“All right, then. I’m going to tell him it’s a go.” Jake looked thrilled and Jess couldn’t blame him. Maybe in five years time, she’d be in a position to build or buy her own place, too. It was exciting, especially with new construction when you were able to choose everything exactly the way you’d like it.
“How long do you think it will take to build?” she asked.
“He said about six months. If he starts within the next month or so, it should be done by the end of the year at the latest.”
“So, you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay in the meantime?”
He nodded. “I have a realtor keeping an eye out for short-term rentals for me. I’d love to stay at the Copper Cottage until then, but of course that’s not realistic. I think Wade mentioned that they do have a booking a month from now, so I should be situated somewhere else by then.
Jess hated the idea of Jake moving but knew it was inevitable, and no doubt for the best. As they walked back inside, Jake asked if she wanted to come over for dinner.
“I’m making my famous beef and broccoli stir-fry.”
“That sounds amazing. I told Lily I’d come back after work, though.”
“Oh, no worries. Another time. Have fun!”
Jess grabbed her jacket and purse while Jake sat back down at his desk to do some paperback.
“See you on Thursday,” she said as she walked out the door.
"Come on in!" Lily called out.
She was sitting Indian style on her living room floor, strumming her guitar and humming softly as Jess walked through the door. Lily smiled and set the guitar down when she saw her.
"Long day?" she asked as Jess took off her jacket and set her purse on the kitchen table.
"Yes. Good, though.”
Jess flopped onto the faded brown velour love seat, facing Lily.
"How was your weekend? Did your gig go well?" she asked her.
Lily’s band played Sunday night at a new place for the first time, a bar popular with the younger crowd that was in the middle of Main Street.
"It went well, I think. We had a lot of fun and it was a high-energy crowd. Heavy drinkers, though. By the end of the night, some of them were getting pretty rowdy."
"That part of it doesn't sound fun. I'm glad it went well, though. You might be doing this full-time some day."
Lily chuckled. "I can't even imagine that. It is fun to dream about, though."
"Well, you're certainly good enough. I believe that it could happen."
"And I love you for that." Lily smiled, and then picked up her guitar and started strumming it softly. But a moment later a cloud seemed to pass across her face and she stopped playing and looked up. "I almost forgot to mention that Ed was there. With the same two friends we saw him with at the restaurant. All three of them are jerks, and they drank way too much. The bartender had to cut them off and Ed got belligerent. We were taking a break then, so I was sitting at a nearby table h
aving a coffee and overheard them."
Jess cringed. "What did they say?"
"Ed was the one doing all of the talking, or rather yelling. He kept saying, ‘Don't you know who I am?’ If it wasn't so pathetic, it would've been comical."
"Ugh. How obnoxious."
"That was the final straw for the bartender. He called the bouncers over, and they escorted all three of them out and told them not to come back again."
Jess shuddered, hoping that she had seen the last of Ed. A thought occurred to her, though, and she pulled out her cell phone and checked her missed calls. She sighed and set the phone down.
“What is it?” Lily asked.
“I had two missed calls Sunday night around eleven thirty, from an unknown number. I was sound asleep and had the phone on vibrate so fortunately I never heard it ring.”
Lily bit her lower lip. “Be careful. That guy makes me nervous. There’s an air about him, like he’s entitled to do whatever he wants.”
Jess nodded. “I know. I keep hoping he’ll find someone else to bother and forget about me.”
“Well, enough about him. Let me fill you in on where we are with the fundraiser.”
“Oh, good. Let me know what I can do to help.” This was going to be the second year they’d done the Christmas in Spring event and the amount raised last year had been a huge help to both the food pantry and animal shelter.
“I think it will be even more successful this year. More people want to get involved. I’ve mentioned it to a few of the places we’ve played recently and some of the restaurants want to help out by donating gift certificates for the silent auction, and they all said we can put flyers up to remind people to save the date.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. I’ll ask Jake if we can put a flyer up at the clinic, too. I’m sure he won’t mind.”
Lily smiled. “How is Jake? You haven’t mentioned him once since you got here.”
“He’s good. His sister is coming to town this weekend, and he’s going to build an addition onto the clinic.”
“He’s expanding the business already?”
“No, he’s planning to live there.”
“Oh, how fun. I’d love to do that some day, build a house from scratch and pick out everything just the way I’d want it.”
“Me, too. Jake asked my advice on the kitchen and I told him what I like, but I don’t know if he’s enthusiastic about an all-white kitchen.”
Lily laughed. “Right. That doesn’t sound very masculine. I think it sounds gorgeous, though. And you said Ellery is coming to town? I haven’t seen her in years.”
“She’s in Bora Bora, doing a photo shoot.”
“No kidding? Wow. She must be doing really well.” Lily’s voice held a wistful note.
“That will be you someday,” Jess said.
“Doing a photo shoot in Bora Bora?” Lily laughed.
“You know what I mean. Don’t ever give up your dreams.”
“I won’t. I’m actually pretty happy, though. I like working at the resort and playing locally. I wouldn’t mind a Caribbean vacation, but I’ve never had any desire to travel much for work. I think the novelty of that would wear off fast.”
“I’d hate it,” Jess admitted. “I think I’m becoming even more of a homebody. My perfect night is staying in and watching movies or going to see you play, of course.”
“Watching movies alone? Or did you have someone in mind?” Lily shot her a knowing glance.
“It’s always more fun to watch movies with someone else. Jake and I watched an old Hitchcock classic the other night. North by Northwest. He hadn’t seen it before.”
“You’ve been seeing a lot of him?” Lily seemed cautiously happy for her.
“Well, he is my neighbor. We’ve become good friends since he moved in.”
“He won’t be staying there much longer, though, I don’t imagine?”
“No, probably just a few more weeks. He’s trying to find a short-term rental.”
“I know you’ll miss him living next door, but don’t you think it might be for the best?”
Jess sighed. “Yes, no doubt. I keep telling myself that.”
Lily looked worried. “You’re falling for him again.”
“I’m trying not to,” Jess said sadly.
“Try harder.” Lily met her eyes and added, “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Chapter 16
Ellery surprised him by walking through the door of the clinic Friday night, just as he was getting ready to close up for the day. He pulled her in for a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. Ellery could have been mistaken for a model instead of a photographer. He knew he was biased since he was her brother, but she really was a beautiful girl, tall and lean, with long wavy hair that fell to the middle of her back. Every time he saw her it was a different color. The latest was somewhere between blonde and light brown, with lighter pieces that shimmered as the light hit them.
“I didn’t think you were coming until tomorrow. It’s so great to see you.”
“I caught an earlier flight. I was ready to get back. Want to go grab a drink and catch up?”
“Sure. Before we go, though, let me give you the grand tour of my house-to-be.”
Ellery grinned. “You’re going with the new construction? I’m so excited for you. Show me.”
Jake walked her around the property and explained his plans. Ellery was suitably impressed.
“So, where should we go for that drink?” she asked once Jake had finished showing her around and locked the clinic door behind him.
There’s a restaurant at the resort. We could go there. It’s probably not too crowded yet. I just need to stop by the cottage first. We can walk over from there.”
“Perfect, lead the way.”
Ellery climbed into her old Volvo sedan and followed him back to the cottage. They were just about to walk inside when Jess opened her door and stepped out. Jake stopped to say hello.
“Hey, Jess. You remember my sister, Ellery?”
Jess smiled. “It’s been a long time, but yes, of course I remember. I know Jake was excited that you were coming to visit.”
Ellery glanced at her brother and then smiled at Jess. “It’s good to see you, too. Nice to be back in Riston again.”
“Where are you off to?” Jake asked casually. He noticed his sister watching him with curious eyes.
“I’m meeting Dani and then we’re going to go watch Lily play at a new place downtown. The Brown Stone I think it’s called. You guys should come by if you feel like it.”
“Maybe we will. I think we’re going to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant here first and catch up.”
“All right, then, maybe I’ll see you later.” Jess started walking toward the main house to meet Dani and Jake went to his front door and opened it slowly so someone wouldn’t run outside.
“What are you doing? And what is up with Jess? Are the two of you dating?” Ellery asked as he stepped inside and scooped up Oliver. He turned and presented the kitten to Ellery who dropped her purse and squealed with delight.
“Who is this? Hand him over. He’s adorable!”
Jake passed a squirming Oliver to Ellery, who lifted him up high to get a good look at his tiny face, then cuddled him against her and the little cat immediately started purring so loudly that Jake couldn’t help but laugh.
“Looks like I’m chopped liver now.” He went to the kitchen to get Oliver’s food and filled his small bowl. The little cat heard the familiar sound of the can opening and tried to jump out of Ellery’s arms. She laughed and put him down immediately. He raced to his food and began eating as if he was starving.
“He’s a cutie. How long have you had him?”
Jake told her Oliver’s story and then quickly changed out of his scrubs and into jeans and a crisp, button-down white shirt.
“Ready to go?” he asked when he walked into the living room. Ellery was sitting on the sofa, flipping through a magazine and put it do
wn and stood up.
“I’m ready.”
The restaurant was starting to get busy when they arrived. Ellery spotted the bar immediately and led them over to the only two empty seats. Joe came over immediately to welcome them. Ellery appreciated good wine and ordered a glass of cabernet. Jake got his usual root beer.
“Burgers and pizza are good here. Nachos, too,” Jake said as Joe handed them both menus. They decided to share an order of nachos and some chicken wings.
“So, is there anything going on with your next-door neighbor?” Ellery asked.
“Jess? Why do you ask?” He was curious why his sister would wonder.
“I thought I picked up something, a vibe. I don’t know. She seems nice.”
“She is. We’ve become good friends. She works for me, though, at the clinic and is going to be looking for a full-time job.”
“And you’re thinking of offering her one?”
“I’d like to. I’ve run the numbers and it makes sense. The business is there and I can’t handle it all myself. She’s great with the animals.”
“And you like her.” It wasn’t a question.
“I do.”
“Maybe a little too much?” His sister knew him well. “Are you sure that is a good idea, then? I’d think it through really carefully. What if you started dating her and it didn’t work out. That could be really uncomfortable, for both of you.” She put her hand on his. “I especially don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I don’t think Jess would hurt me.”
Ellery smiled sadly. “You never know. I’d hate to see you risk it.”
“I haven’t made any decisions yet.”
“Good. If you don’t hire her, then you can ask her out!”
Jake chuckled. “If she doesn’t get a job here in Riston, she’s probably going to move out of the area.”
“Hm. Well, that’s a tough one, then.”
Chapter 17
Veterinarian's Vacation (River's End Ranch Book 2) Page 8